A Life-Changing Experience: Salome Gabliani's Erasmus+ Adventure in Lithuania
Studying abroad is often a blend of excitement and uncertainty, and Salome Gabliani, a student from Caucasus International University in Georgia, experienced this firsthand. As part of the Erasmus+ KA171 program, Salome spent a semester at our institution, where she embraced both the challenges and the transformative opportunities that come with being an international student.
The student shared her experience: “Before I decided to participate in Erasmus, I was afraid, but at the same time, I had a strong desire for the experience. I was worried about how I would manage to communicate in English on a daily basis and also study, but despite the difficulties, the experience I gained was worth the stress. For me, the stress was mainly related to socializing, which I eventually overcame, and the language barrier, as English is not my native language, although I improved it through practice.
During this time, I had the opportunity to interact with very friendly mentors and coordinators, who were attentive and welcoming from the moment I arrived in Lithuania, even before. I am grateful for the activities they organized that kept us entertained and helped us connect with other students. For example, we enjoyed bowling, art afternoons, and more. During this period, we also got to know the local traditions and visited historical sites such as the Miller’s Farmhouse, where we baked traditional Lithuanian bread, and the Hill of Crosses.
The time spent abroad also had a significant impact on my personal development, especially in terms of living independently and making new, very intelligent, open-minded, and unique friends from different European countries. The relationships I built with the lecturers, who were distinguished by their professionalism, were also noteworthy.
I would definitely encourage students to seize this opportunity and participate in Erasmus. Don’t be afraid of the initial stress because the enjoyment you gain will far outweigh the fears and obstacles that come with being an international student. From my personal experience, I would advise you to plan your budget and take advantage of the opportunity to travel, which is very affordable. I encourage everyone to overcome their fear because the experience you will gain is unforgettable and unique.”
